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REVIEW: Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh

My Review

Shield of Winter by Nalini SinghPsy-Changeling #13Paranormal Romance

Mostly focused on the Empaths and the rot in the PsyNet, this story was very centrally focused but still advanced the overall world. I’ve really enjoyed reading how the Psy race is learning to adapt to the changes in the Net and the fall of Silence. Of course there are those who are still clinging desperately to it (the newly formed Silent Voices) but most understand what it finally means to be free. I can’t wait to see where Nalini Singh is going to continue to take this plot line. We’re also seeing more cooperation between all the races as they work to protect each other. This is why I like to read fiction — so I can believe in the goodness of all and that human decency can conquer. There were several new groups formed in this book that will act as groups to aid the Psy race or protect certain interests of the Psy race and I look forward to seeing how they’ll grow.

I especially enjoyed Vasic; we’ve seen him almost from the beginning and he’s been this very powerful, but very mysterious character. There were several plot points from early books that re-emerged in this book and I always appreciate an author that can so thoroughly link books in a series.

Ivy was very gentle, sweet, and innocent partly due to her being an empath but also from a more sheltered and protected upbringing. Her parents might be Silent but she’s always known they love her and would protect her. Vasic on the other hand grew up in Arrow training and as is typical, it was brutal. However, I adored the glimpses of Vasic and Aden as young boys growing up in the Arrow Squad and desperate for a friend.

There was something missing for me but I can’t put my finger on it. I liked this book and the love story but I just didn’t connect with as strongly as earlier books in the series.

4 stars – it was enjoyable

Book Details

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch—if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake…

Having rebuilt her life after medical “treatment” that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she’ll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness.